98 TJ Build - Orange Crush

[Stingray4xe]

Hello All,

I wanted to start a build thread as a journal for me to remember.

I have had 11 Jeeps over the years. This will make the 3rd TJ. I currently have a 2021 JLUR 4xE but didn't want to beat it up offroad, hence the TJ

So project "Orange Crush" is a 98 TJ 4.0/AX15. Bought it with a LP30/8/8 swap. And some awful seats!

Plan is to build it for 35s.

Few pictures of the day I got it (July 2021). It needs some love but already have a bunch of parts ordered!

 

[thekidwithquestions]

Gosh I love that color

 

[Stingray4xe]

Gosh I love that color

Me too! It was repainted amber fire, originally it was black. Main reason I chose this one. Frame and body are in good shape.

 

[Stingray4xe]

Some goodies arrived yesterday.

Got the front bumper, steering box skid, winch, and anti rock put on today.

 

[Stingray4xe]

Got the Metalcloak fenders and sliders on. Pretty easy overall. Found that the horns were unplugged, for a reason . They stay on when the ignition is on! I imagine the clock spring is done.

Still have to get new hood latches.

Next on the list is a super short SYE, tummy tuck, and 1.25” body lift.

 

[Tray Burge]

Coming along very nicely I see.
Love the color, I bought a dodge for the wife in that color and she returned it after a week and got a maroon (yuk!) Toyota.
She wasn't a fan of the color. lol
You either love that color or hate it.
I wish my Ram was that color, probably one of my favorites.

 

[Stingray4xe]

So more work over the last couple weeks. Had the interior line-x. Really helps the Jeep look better!

put new PRP seats in, still have to hook up the seat heaters. Also put a tuffy center console.

then I put the body lift on. Just a 1.25 for a TT and gas tank skid. Using the tractor made it easy.

more to come this week. Currently trussing/regearing a D30HP for the front. Went with a Eaton elocker.

 

[Tray Burge]

So more work over the last couple weeks. Had the interior line-x. Really helps the Jeep look better! View attachment 277572

put new PRP seats in, still have to hook up the seat heaters. Also put a tuffy center console.View attachment 277573

then I put the body lift on. Just a 1.25 for a TT and gas tank skid. Using the tractor made it easy.View attachment 277574

more to come this week. Currently trussing/regearing a D30HP for the front. Went with a Eaton elocker.

You're gonna love those PRP's!
What material did you go with for the seats?

 

[Stingray4xe]

You're gonna love those PRP's!
What material did you go with for the seats?

I hope so. The Mastercraft seats that were in this were hard to get into.

After reading about the different options here.
I went with Cordura on the seating surface, no piping, and Ostrich vinyl on the back.
I went ahead and got the heated option also.

 

[Stingray4xe]

So finally getting back on this.



Super Short SYE put in.

Put the tcase back in with a cable shifter.

Tummy Tuck on! Went with and uncoverfab ultra high clearance 1/4 alum.

 

[Stingray4xe]

Front Axle in. Its a HP30 5.13s eaton Elocker. I was surprised how the pinion depth was spot on while setting up the gears.
Went RCVs and Black Magic Brake 15" BBK. They look beefy! Note that they will not play nice with those stick on wheel weights with 15" wheels .

 

[Stingray4xe]

Then in the rear I got a killer dealer on a g2 Core 5.13 w/ ARB.

Out with the old 8.8 with Artec Truss.

In with the new. I do wish there were some instructions with this g2. They give you a bag of brackets that may or may not be used

And all installed! Waiting for a Driveshaft at this point 19" at ride height.

 

[thekidwithquestions]

Dude, that's a serious build!

 

[RustyAutoholicGuy]

LOVE the color, honestly wish this was the color of orange on my TJ compared to the Impact Orange. Second question is what are you going for the front axle now that your rear axle is geared to 5.13 gears?

 

[Stingray4xe]

LOVE the color, honestly wish this was the color of orange on my TJ compared to the Impact Orange. Second question is what are you going for the front axle now that your rear axle is geared to 5.13 gears?

Thanks! I put 5.13s up front as well. Revolution Gear makes 5.13s for the HP30s.